Local and environmental groups filed many complaints over the impact the mine could have on conservation efforts, including a proposal for a marine protection zone, a nearby site of special scientific interest (SSSI) and the habitat of the pink-footed goose and yellow wagtail birds.

Banks says it will monitor target species and will even try to “improve opportunities for [them]”.

The application for the mine was supported by Big Six energy firm EDF.

As Energydesk revealed last month, a top EDF executive wrote to Northumberland County Council to throw its weight behind the project, arguing that it would represent “a reliable and secure source” of indigenous coal.

Its nearby power stations Cottam and West Burton will likely burn the coal produced at Highthorn.